Close to the sea and with sight of the castle, a small hotel in the centre with a clean-lined, contemporary look, offset with exposed stone walls, raftered ceilings, and welcoming wood-burning stoves. Softly toned bedrooms have sturdy wood headboards and furniture, and tongue-and-groove panelling; some have a window seat affording views over Bamburgh. Lobster features on the restaurant’s seafood menus.

Time stands still at this handsome Victorian Gothic-style mansion surrounded by extensive, well-kept grounds and woodland. It is filled with rich wood panelling, beautiful paintings, antiques and ornate stained glass windows, and run by ‘such polite, consistently friendly, obliging’ staff’. On comfy sofas by roaring log fires, dreams of a bygone age are conjured by the galleried baronial hall. Dinner is an elegant affair in the candle-lit restaurant. Mount the grand staircase to spacious, traditionally furnished bedrooms, equipped with a refreshment tray, dressing gowns and luxury toiletries. Wake to a sumptuous cooked-to-order breakfast.